The uniformity of Japanese macro-culture can be deafening at times. Always interesting to me is the practice of looking as annoyed, bored, or displeased as possible while riding any form of mass transportation. How you can sit next to a close friend for two hours and not share conversation until exiting is a mystery to me.

This practice is so strong I've even found myself scowling at those young upstarts that think they can have a good time. Shut up! I'm trying to be miserable over here!